The mass dismissal also sees Fisker facing a lawsuit over failing to give adequate 60-day notice before laying off its employees.

In recent months the company has actively sought buyers and investors to quell financial difficulties, and many reports suggest Fisker is on the brink of bankruptcy.

The company is due to repay a proportion of the DoE loan by the end of April--and it isn't yet clear whether this target will be met. The Department would be the firm's top creditor should the company file for bankruptcy, and would have to decide what to do with the company.

The DoE has already had its fingers burned after solar company Solyndra folded last year, and last month announced it doesn't plan to award any more loans from the program--despite seven pending applications.